Factors affecting alcoholics’ participation in development Projects in nyahururu sub-county in Laikipia County, Kenya: Experiences of people recovering from alcoholism before and in recovery

Abstract

Literature reviewed indicated that alcoholics participate marginally in social processes globally and in Kenya. A gap in knowledge exists as effects of alcoholism on alcoholics’ participation in development projects have not been adequately researched. The broad objective of this study was to explore factors affecting alcoholics’ participation in development projects in Nyahururu Sub-County. This study explored effects of social reaction, economic effects of alcoholism and alcoholics’ behaviour towards participation in development on alcoholics’ participation in development projects. Participatory development was practiced in the study area for long yet alcoholics participated marginally and reaped meagre benefits which denied the community an opportunity to exploit their resourcefulness. Articulating the factors that hindered alcoholics from participating in development project would facilitate their reintegration in development resulting in individual and societal benefits. This study was guided by the labelling and social exchange theories. The two theories explained the interplay between inter and intrapersonal dynamics in alcoholism that influenced alcoholics’ participation. The study used an exploratory research design to allow the researcher to explore the relationship between variables. The study population comprised of recovering alcoholics. It used a combination of purposeful and simple random sampling to select a sample of 49 respondents. To enrich data from respondents, 4 key informants were selected purposefully, 2 self-help groups were selected by use of purposeful and simple random sampling methods and 24 active alcoholics were selected using snowballing. Interview method of data collection was used to allow in depth data collection. Focus group discussion was used to collect data from active alcoholics and self-help groups members. Qualitative data was summarized and organized in thematic areas and presented in text form. Quantitative data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in tables, graphs and charts. The main findings indicated that alcoholics were labelled and stigmatized, where 98% of respondents used negative terms to refer to alcoholics; hence, they were excluded and alienated from development projects. Alcoholics adopted self-defeating behaviours and powerlessness, where 96% did not influence any decision in development while in active alcoholism; diminishing their abilities and capacity to participate. This study concluded that alcoholism influenced alcoholics’ participation in development negatively and hence recommended changes in development projects’ design to make them more inclusive.